For most young footballers, playing for the team they love and alongside their boyhood idols is something they will never experience.

That’s not the case for Tristan Xerri.

The 201cm ruckman/key-forward was taken with pick 72 in Friday’s 2017 NAB AFL Draft, and has been living his dream since.

“Me and Dad have been supporting North since I was born. I was born in ’99, so when they last won the flag,” Xerri told NMFC.com.au

Being picked up by his favourite club made draft night all the more exciting.

“There was a bit of hype leading up to draft night. I told all my mates, but it was just me and the family watching at home,” Xerri said.

“We were watching it pretty nervously, but it got to pick 72 and my name was called out and I was stoked. Mum jumped all over me. It was grouse.”

Xerri’s move to North has already had an impact on his family’s allegiances. 

“Mum did go for the Bombers, but now she goes for North. I got her to convert over on Friday night,” Xerri said.

“The two girls go for the Bulldogs, but [I’m] hoping to get them on the bandwagon as well now.”

After arriving at club, Xerri is ready to learn from the likes of Todd Goldstein, Braydon Preuss and in particular, Ben Brown.

For any player this would be a fantastic opportunity, but for Xerri it’s that little bit more special.

“As the years have progressed, and my footy has progressed I have looked up to Benny Brown a lot; just the way he goes about it up forward and gives you multiple efforts,” Xerri explained.

“When I was a bit younger, it was Toddy Goldstein, and those two boys have been huge for me. To get the opportunity to play with them, it’s great.

“We went out on the track for the first time and I met Will (Minson), and did a bit of ruck-work with big Preussy and Todd. I can’t wait to get stuck into it a bit more.”

It may be early days, but Xerri is loving life at North.

“It’s pretty structured, all the boys are pretty good to us young boys,” he added.

“The older boys have told us it will ramp up soon, so enjoy it while we can.”

And as to what he can bring on the field…

“I like to think I’m agile for someone my size, I can mark a ball and hopefully take that into game day and give the on-ballers first use.”